Lulworth Cove

Anything beautiful can be reduced to a scientific explanation. So a geologist will explain that Lulworth Cove was formed when the stream that still flows through West Lulworth broke through the enclosing arms of what is now the cove and rising sea levels flooded its lower valley.

All true, but it doesn’t capture the outstanding beauty of the place, with imposing chalk cliffs shielding the lovely curve of its beach and waters which, in memory at least, are always blue. Unsurprisingly, it attracts almost half a million visitors a year.

A story – or myth – surrounding the cove is that Napoleon visited by night when prospecting landing sites for his invasion of England. He sailed away muttering ‘Pas possible’: not possible.

Nearest post code: BH20 5RQ
OS reference: SY824799
What3words: migrants.clogging.debater